Can you believe it's almost here? It seems like just yesterday you were holding your baby in your arms, and in a few shorts weeks he'll be graduating high school. {Or, kindergarten. Or, college.} Our kids really do grow up too fast. Are you planning to host a graduation party in his honor? I've gathered a few of the most fun and unique party decor ideas from around the web, and put them all right here for you! /1/ Giant Photo Display - Create a larger than life, eye-catching display of photos of the graduate throughout the years. Careful, though, a flood of memories will come each time you glance at that beautifully displayed wall! /2/ Grad Party Yard Sign - Don't worry about answering calls from those who can't spot your house in the midst of welcoming guests ever again. Let … [Read more...]
Picture Worthy Moments Just Outside Your Door
You don't need to go on vacation to get great photo captures. Some of the best picture worthy moments are waiting for you right outside your door. Here are some ideas for must-take pictures while you are relaxing on the home front. 1. Nighttime Great pictures don't always have to be taken during the day. With the right setting on your camera you can capture the gorgeousness of the night moon before you say goodnight. (Photo Credit: Angujuana) 2. Chalk Fun You can't deny the whimsical feeling that sidewalk chalk brings. The driveway is your palate with endless possibilities. (Photo Credit: Carrieanne Miranda) 3. Trampoline Action While the trampoline has gotten a bad rap through the years, I love this idea of using it for good. Change your viewing angle and add some balloons to … [Read more...]
5 DIY Chore Charts for Kids
Every year I feel the need to re-assess the current chore assignments, or the chore charts, in our home. With five kids, if done correctly, our family could have a tidy home on a daily basis. Of course, I keep all of our chores age appropriate. My twelve-year-old does things like cleaning the bathrooms and starting laundry, where as my seven-year-old works on his bedroom or sweeping off the back porch. I also don't want to overwhelm them. Each child has 1-2 chores per day. In the last couple of weeks, I've been on the lookout for a chore chart that would be both easy to follow AND fun for the kids. I've come across a few that I think are both practical and fun. I think you'll agree. /1/ Family Photo Magnetic Chore Chart - Create magnet tags with chores and place them on or near the … [Read more...]
Nine Must Take Newborn Photos
Nothing beat the smell of a newborn baby, except maybe swooning over newborn baby pictures. The cliche statement, "They grow up so fast", is never truer than with babies. You only have a tiny window of opportunity to preserve the pure essence of newborn loveliness. Looking for the best way to capture that moment? Here are our picks for 'Must Take' new born pictures. 1. Collages My favorite photos of my boys as babies are collages. With collage, you can get little glimpses of all the bits that make them so lovable. (Photo Credit: Vintage Duck) 2. Hands I love the delicacy of newborn hands. Their beautiful fingers, all the tiny creases and how they grasp on to anything! The fist bump is by far my favorite for any new Dad. (Photo Credit: Renee Britt, Zdenko Boskovic) 3. … [Read more...]
Take Fireworks Photos that SPARKLE
On July 4, 1776 America declared her independence. That means that this year is our nation's 240th birthday. That also means that in the coming days hundreds of thousands of folks in America are going to gather to watch a glorious display of pyrotechnics in the sky. {I'd sure love for someone to blast some fireworks into the sky for MY birthday each year!} {photo credit} Photographing fireworks is sometimes tricky. The night time conditions aren't ideal for photography, to begin with. Add in getting a crisp focus on a bursting ball of sparkles and it almost seems impossible. Using these few steps YOU can capture beautiful photos of any fireworks show. Don't forget the tripod. You'll be taking photos in the dark so you're going to want complete stillness in your camera's … [Read more...]
15 Couples Photograhy Poses That Say Love
Couples photography for engagement photos, wedding pictures or anniversary shots can be tricky. When you're working with more than one person in a photography shoot you want to change it up and be creative. These couples photography posing techniques will help you keep it fresh, keep the couple you're working with at ease, and help communicate the most important aspect of the photo shoot - the LOVE. 1. Wrap it Up. Look how cozy this couple looks wrapped in a blanket. The warmth of their love shines through in these photos by Green Wedding Shoes. 2. Capture Natural Expressions. Place the couple close together and then capture that natural expression of love like the beautiful smile that makes this photo stand out. By Damian Lovegrove. 3. Lean In. Bring it up close and … [Read more...]